Afghan practice of sexually exploiting underage boys

It is fact that in Afghanistan same sex relationships are illegal under Sharia Law. Many lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender are at serious risk of becoming victims of honour killings, forced marriages and physical violence by family, tribes, community leaders and groups.

There have been many reports and findings that say in Afghanistan men called ‘bacrias’ which means ‘play boys.’ These men go out onto the streets and search for young boys ranging from 10 years old. They recruit them into the “business” where they remain till they are no longer wanted. They choose poor and orphaned children because they are the “easier ones to control”. And some witnesses say the children’s parent sell them to these men to be trained how to dance, dress and do there make up to then be sold to other men as sex slaves and entertainment.

This practise is called ‘Bacha-Bazi’ which means ‘playing with boys’ and the boys are called ‘Bacha.’

RT Documentary interviewed a few men involved in this practise. One of the “customers” Amir says “Obviously… When I’m with a boy I feel aroused!” He continued “so it’s a fair exchange. I give them money, and they give me their bodies!” The interviewer then interviewed one of the young boys and he said “it feels a bit like love, it can hurt badly too, but money is important.” Sources also say that if the men are not pleased with there service then they beat the children and sometimes kill them. And lastly RT interviewed one of playboys Japar “When a boy is older we make their life better. We buy the bacha clothes, pay for their wedding when they’re no longer wanted. We feed them well, we prepare all their food for them. We do everything! We support them in every way.” In this statement the bacrias is clearly trying to excuse what he is doing and in these interviews the men who have sex with these boys also refuse that they are gay.

The law in Afghanistan forbids men to communicate openly with women and if this law is broken then it can lead to prison and social condemnation. This is the reason that male sexuality is focused on boys. Islam prohibits homosexuality but bacha bazi “is not viewed” as homosexual behaviour. Japar “This nation is an Islamic country. Thats why it is very bad for girls. Girls aren’t allowed to go out. But the boys…they can easily go wherever they want.”

In Afghan there criminal code prohibits rape and pederasty. But there hasn’t been a clear provision against such practises so it still becomes a profitable “business.”

Sources say today Afghan government is set to criminalise the practise.